Die-hard racing fans were out and the horses didn't seem to mind. Thunder, lightning and pouring rain didn't stop the morning workouts for long.

The track shut down for a few minutes, but for the horses and exercise jockeys it was business as usual.

"The first set was a little spooky with the lightning but when they opened the track back up I was able to get Sugar Shock out and she enjoyed it, and went around there real good and everything was fabulous," said exercise rider Seth Van Dyke.

While the thoroughbreds didn't mind, the crowds were scarce.

"Oh yeah, this is the smallest crowd I've ever seen back here. But this was the most rain and lightning, the lightning was severe so I imagine that kept a lot of people away," said racing fan Bob Ray.

Ray and his niece, Marcia Willinger, have been coming to the backside Derby Week for 10 years.

"I enjoy this almost as much as I do the front side. It's just like a whole different world back here. I love the barns, and the smells and being close to the animals," Ray said.

It's a tradition they weren't willing to give up.

"We come rain or shine or cold," Willinger said.

The crowds are sure to grow as the week goes on, but even if the weather doesn't improve the athletes -- horses and jockeys -- will be there no matter what.

"When you have a good horse like I'm getting on it doesn't bother her at all. Some of the horses it affects but nothing seems to bother her, she just takes it all in with stride," Van Dyke said.

Experts said it is safe for the horses to work out in the rainy weather because they are hitting the bottom and getting their footing, so they are stable.

The track is still soaked and if it wasn't safe the horses wouldn't be allowed on the track.